Inside: Discover Extraordinary Living

This hidden gem was dubbed “the village of pretty houses” by George Washington when he passed through during the Revolutionary War. The town was also home to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis while she attended Farmington’s renowned all-girls prep school, Miss Porter’s School, which has been operating since 1843. In addition to its storied history, Farmington offers signature New England charm and picturesque landscapes along the Farmington River, where fly fishing and rafting are popular pastimes. The town also boasts a world-class art museum, polo grounds, and plentiful shopping and dining.

Here are some of the best things to eat, buy, see, and do in Farmington:

Parks & Recreation

Farmington River Fly Fishing
For outdoor enthusiasts and anglers, Farmington River is a haven for fly fishing. Known for having the highest trout population density in the state, the river is heavily stocked with fish averaging in the 12- to 14-inch range. Large brown trout are also a frequent catch. In particular, the West Branch of the River is known as the “crown jewel” of trout fishing in Connecticut; it flows from the base of a 200-foot dam and the water consistently stays at 50 degrees.

Dining

Fork & Fire
838 Farmington Ave, Farmington

With a menu that fuses contemporary flavors with traditional favorites, Fork & Fire prides itself on serving locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Expect a modern wine selection, a rotating list of local craft beers on draft, and signature cocktails, all served in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. All cuisine is made in-house from “scratch,” from freshly baked breads to flavorful stocks and sauces. A 2020 Diner’s Choice award winner and local favorite.

Bamboo Asian Cuisine
3 Melrose Dr, Farmington

To check out the many flavors of the Far East, Bamboo Asian Cuisine is a must-visit. Known for its authentic Mandarin, Japanese, and Thai cuisine, this popular dining spot turns out an array of dishes in a modern and inviting atmosphere that includes a stylish bar area. Choose from Bento Box lunch specials, a full sushi menu, or hearty entrees such as Massaman curry with beef, rack of lamb, and the uber-popular pad Thai chicken — all made with fresh ingredients.

Shopping

Happiest Shop Ever
1680 Farmington Ave. Unionville

For any apparel or gift items adorned with a logo or other decoration, this is the spot. The custom apparel embroidery service and screen-printing shop is a family-owned business chock full of fun and high-quality goods ranging from t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets to bags, totes, hats, towels, and even lab coats and scrubs. The store’s team is ready to help customers transform these goods into one-of-a-kind items for companies, school teams, or family occasions like weddings and baby showers. Customers can buy products at the store or bring in their own goods for customization.

Culture

Hill-stead Museum
35 Mountain Rd, Farmington

The Hill-stead Museum, a National Historic Landmark, showcases art, architecture, and the natural beauty of its surroundings. Named the number-one small-town art museum in the country by Travel + Leisure, the 33,000-square-foot, 1901 Colonial Revival mansion and 152-acre estate have welcomed more than 1 million guests since opening to the public. Visitors to the historic home can view Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Manet, Whistler, and Cassatt, as well as Japanese woodblock prints, and a top-notch decorative arts collection. Daily tours of the home are available Wednesday through Sunday.

Farmington Polo Club
152 – 162 Town Farm Rd, Farmington

This historic equine facility offers a taste of the polo life for everyone from beginners to competitive riders, offering hunter/jumper lessons, a riding academy, a show team, and camps. Special events and matches at the Farmington Polo Club draw large crowds to the 80-acre grounds. The venue is also a popular spot for socializing and cultural events, and the Club hosts numerous public and private gatherings and fundraisers throughout the year.